Modi Alleges Congress Plan to ‘Protect Infiltrators’, Promises Development Push in Assam

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday alleged that the Congress, if voted to power in Assam, would introduce a law to protect infiltrators, something the BJP and its allies would oppose.

Addressing a rally in Gogamukh in Dhemaji district, Modi claimed the Congress aims to "turn the majority community into a minority and create a permanent vote bank of infiltrators". He said that before the BJP came to power in 2014, the Congress had "tried to introduce a law at the Centre", which the NDA had resisted.

"Congress leaders are openly saying that they will bring a new law in Assam to protect infiltrators and are openly supporting them," Modi said.

He also accused the party of "trying to divide the country as the Muslim League did during Partition" and alleged that the Congress had "stabbed the Constitution prepared by Babasaheb Ambedkar".

"For the Congress, there are two families-one in Delhi and another in Assam, and their priority is the interest of their families and not that of the people," Modi said, referring to the Gandhi family and that of state Congress president Gaurav Gogoi.

At another rally in Behali in Biswanath district, the Prime Minister alleged that the Congress had "not deliver justice to Assam's resources", while the BJP was utilising the state’s assets for development. He described the Congress as "opposed to development and 'bhrastachar ki janani' (mother of corruption)".

"They (Congress) have compromised with Assam's 'aatma' (soul), 'shaan' (pride), 'pehchan' (identity) and 'suraksha' (security)," Modi said.

He further accused the party of encouraging infiltrators to "settle on sattras, namghars and temple land parcels" to build a vote bank, adding that the BJP had acted to reclaim such land from "illegal immigrants".

Modi also alleged that Congress-era corruption led to encroachment of forest land and sanctuaries, threatening the one-horned rhinoceros, while the BJP government had taken corrective steps.

He criticised the Congress for failing to grant land rights to tea garden workers despite decades in power, claiming the BJP was now addressing the issue.

If re-elected, Modi said, the BJP would "implement the Uniform Civil Code and safeguard tribals under the Sixth schedule to protect Assam's identity". He asserted that the party’s decade-long rule had brought a new era of "seva" and "sushasan" to the state.

Highlighting infrastructure, Modi said the Congress had built only three bridges over the Brahmaputra in 60–65 years, while the BJP had constructed five in a decade, improving connectivity and livelihoods.

He added that the Subansiri hydroelectric project would help protect Assam from floods and pointed to projects worth Rs 1,800 crore aimed at flood mitigation. He also said Assam would gain global recognition not only for tea but also for semiconductor manufacturing at Jagiroad.

Beginning his campaign visit by meeting tea garden workers, Modi said, "My life is linked to tea, and I tried to learn how to pluck the leaves from tea bushes."

He claimed that over 22 lakh poor families had been given pucca houses in the past decade and promised homes for 15 lakh more. He also said the BJP would work towards making 40 lakh women 'Lakhpati'.

Modi said the party’s manifesto outlines plans for more government jobs and self-employment, adding that the BJP does not believe in polarisation but in "'sabka saath, sabka vikas'".

"The people should vote for 'Vikas' and 'Virasat'," he said, expressing confidence that the BJP would return to power in Assam, while the Congress would face continued electoral setbacks.

Polling for Assam’s 126 assembly constituencies will be held on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4.